Finally getting into the core of the story...hope it still sounds original enough, and that there are minimal holes and contradictions in the plot. As always, reviews are greatly appreciated!
Part 9: Second Appearance
Back inside his room, Youhei sighed as he stretched out on his bed. Never got to talk to Hana about the reviving issue...probably a good thing, cause the best solution I've come up with is traveling to the past to save him. And if that alternate reality theory holds, I've a feeling it's not gonna work like we'd want to. Shit! After all this info digging...
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When the two tall boys stepped outside Youhei's house, Rukawa turned to his unearthly companion.
"What did you and your friend talk about?"
"Uhm..." Should I let him know about those visions now? Nah, he'll freak out on me again for not telling him first. Maybe next time. "Just buddy talk...if you know what I mean, Kaede. I asked him what crap he's been up to, and he asked me how we got together."
"You weren't too specific about our relationship with him, were you?"
"Hey c'mon, Kaede! Youhei's my best friend, for heaven sake!"
"I don't care who he is, Hana...our relationship is our business, and no one should pry into it."
Who'd ever thought that dead silent fox'll turn out to be so damn bossy about these things?! But at the same time, I feel...nicely secure that he's this jealous. These mixed feelings were really starting to frustrate him. "Where are we going now, fox?"
"You decide, do'aho. Like always."
"Hmmm..." Sakuragi stole a glance at Rukawa, and was surprised to see slight stress on the pale boy's face. "Hey Kaede, what's wrong?"
"Nothing."
"See, you're lying to me through your teeth now, you stupid fox." The redhead muttered angrily. Then it occurred to him. "You really miss playing basketball, don't you, Kaede. All this time, we've been doing whatever I wanted..." Guilt laced his voice.
The raven head turned to him sharply. "Do'aho, stop imagining things!"
Sakuragi sighed. "We'll go wherever I want for just a little bit, and I'll leave the whole night for yourself, fox. A tensai knows tis'nt fair to force his companion when he's not having a good time..."
"No you're not Hana...we're spending time together like always."
"You don't freaking need to oblige yourself, Kaede...!" Seeing that Rukawa refused to back down, "Besides...besides, I want to, uh...spend a little more time with Youhei!" He exclaimed thoughtlessly. Oops, oh shit! Why did I blurt out the worst excuse possible?!
The ravenhead stiffened. "So that's your real reason, huh? Fine. Have it your way."
"No, you stupid fox! It's just that I—I..." speechless with shame, the redhead averted his pained eyes from Rukawa. It's partially true, I DO want to see Youhei a little more, but it was meant for Kaede to have a good excuse to do what he really misses to think of it, I'm really holding him back! I've had so much fun being with him, I kinda forgot I'm...just a freaking phantom. His eyes dulled out at the impact of the hurtful realization. We can't eat together, play basketball together...or touch each other at all. I got him into some fun stuff, like movies and videogames. But if those are the only things we'll ever be able to do together, then being with me will just freaking make his life so much more damn meaningless than before!! The cruel reality finally hitting him, Sakuragi felt almost as if he was smashed to bits after falling from the top of the world. He fought the sudden urge to cry in self-anger and bitterness. And to think that his reciprocal feelings for me was the best thing that happened in the world...Sakuragi Hanamichi, what kind of damn tensai are you anyways?! You're existence is just a freaking burden on the one you love so much, and you've never even thought of that till now!! Damn you, stupid Idiot!! For the first time in a long eternity, the young man lashed harshly at himself and renounced his boastful title.
"...did your friend find some way to revive you?" The pale boy suddenly asked, with surprising coincidence.
Snapping out of his self-assault, the redhead immediately brushed away the tears before Rukawa could turned around to face him.
"No, he never got to say. Cause you showed up and yanked me out before we could even ask him." He muttered.
Face still turned away, the tall brunette said nothing for a moment or two. Then, "I've always known you as a do'aho, Hana, but...you may be a true genius in at least one thing. Just when I thought it was impossible for anyone to make me smile and say some damn sentimental words aloud, you succeeded without even trying." He had to repress chuckling, amused and surprised at his own silly truthfulness.
Utterly dumbfounded by Rukawa's obvious attempt to humor, Sakuragi did not even consider a retort for the raven head's rather self-centered comment.
After that his voice hushed into something so warm and delicate it was almost unrecognizable. "Don't think I'm clueless about what just dwelled in your mind, Sakuragi Hanamichi. You feel that you're just interfering with my life." Then he suddenly blurted out in a heatedly emotional voice, "It freaking hurts me to know you're thinking that way, do you know?!" A two second glimpse of his face tells the whole story better than words. Finally turning to make eye contact with his red haired companion, "The only thing you've been holding me from is plunging back into that dark, empty hole that was my previous lifestyle! Hana, you're the reason I've been smiling to myself...I don't mind at all living like this forever." For the first time and perhaps the last time ever, Sakuragi witnessed a brief tinge of crimson tracing the pale cheeks of Rukawa Kaede.
Although his mind was still frozen in wonder, Sakuragi's illusionary hand crept towards the boy's slightly reddened face, as if trying to touch the blush itself. His fingers traced gently across the rosy blotches on the ivory smooth face. "Thank you, Kaede, so much." He whispered; the shyness proved to be contagious when the redhead's face turned pink, too. "Because you're the only person that helps me forget I'm living a goddamn fake existence."
The raven head hovered a palm on top of Sakuragi's caressing hand. "Do'aho Hana...I guess I'll have to respect your concern, or else you'd never have fun with me. If you're really that anxious to get me back to practicing basketball again, then pick a spot for us to hang out now."
And he thinks I'm clueless about HIS feelings...oh well, stop thinking unhappy thoughts, Hana. "How bout...we go up to your special mountain again? God, if only we could somehow draw out that gorgeous scenery...hey, what are you smiling about, fox?" the redhead asked curiously. Rukawa was smirking at him...and there was a gleam of playfulness in his eyes.
"You want scenery worth drawing out, Hana?"
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Rukawa went back to his house to fetch an old book bag full of some mysterious stuff, then led the way to the district subway. On the way, the inquisitive redhead kept on harassing his ebony haired companion just what was in the bag, but Rukawa adamantly refused to provide even a hint. As the two young men walked out of the station, Sakuragi found the surrounding neighborhood to be familiar...in a somewhat dreading way. Why do I have this suffocating feeling about this place? "Hey Kaede, just where've you taken us? Have I been here before?"
Rukawa stopped in front of the steps of a condo. "Don't freaking tell me you don't remember this place, do'aho." He took a key from under the doormat and opened it.
Wait a minute...this is the very damn house I walked out with Youhei and Kaede after that accident! "Out of all the damn places in the whole world, what's the idea of bringing us here, Kaede?!" The redhead was almost too upset to continue his vent. "Do you know how trapped I feel in there? Those goddamn unpleasant memories of this place? Why'd you do this to me...?!!"
"Sshh...Hana, calm down Hana." The raven head quickly comforted his vexed companion with a hushed voice. "I'm...sorry for being so careless. I swear I never thought of that, but I should've." Then he fixed his eyes on Sakuragi's with a persuading, and almost beseeching look. "Just bear with me, Hana. I've been dying to show you something these past few days, and it wouldn't be the same if I took you somewhere else."
Caught off guard by the pale young man's unexpected apology and coaxing, Sakuragi's accusations quickly died down. I guess it must be something really special...and the last thing I want to do is freaking ruin it for him. "Oh all right..." He shot his companion a trusting look, "...and I guess it wouldn't be half as bad, since you're right here by my side anyways, Kaede."
Of course it wouldn't, you do'aho. The raven head thought, absorbing Sakuragi's affection with pleasure. "...seems like that woman's left the house for her job appointment already."
"Hey, how'd you know that, fox? Have you been stalking her or something?" The redhead demanded suspiciously.
"No, do'aho. I rushed to her house this morning, cause you never showed up when I summoned you." Rukawa answered, fighting back a smile.
"What? Oh yeah..." Sakuragi's said in a small voice, feeling embarrassingly guilty. Damn you, Hanamichi...you had him so worried, he'd run all the way here! He followed the raven head down the secret passageway, until they were once more in that same room holding the redhead's perfectly preserved body. There it is. The ultimate reminder that I...no longer have a damn body.
Rukawa felt a prick in his heart when he saw the redhead's depressed look. I know dwelling in this place is the toughest thing for him...but god, please let this ease some of his fear. The pale young man finally opened the mysterious book bag, and fished out...a large notebook and a pencil.
"?? What is this, Kaede, some kind of stupid joke?! Cause to tell you the damn truth, I don't find it the least bit funny!!" Sakuragi snapped in a very disappointedly hurt tone.
Busily settling himself down, Rukawa held up his hand. "Don't jump to your own conclusions so fast, you do'aho. Just hush up and sit in that corner until I call you." He ordered firmly.
Still sulking, Sakuragi surprised himself by silently obeying the reaven head. He stared as the latter started scribbling on the large notepad while fixing one concentrating eye on the peaceful figure trapped in the tank. "Hey fox, just what the hell are you up to?" He later asked, as curiosity took over his sulkiness.
Rukawa threw him a stern look. "Stay put or else, Hana. I'll show you when I'm done."
Almost twenty minutes had passed before the fidgeting redhead finally lost all his patience. "Damn it, Kaede, this is taking way too long! What...?!" He stormed toward his preoccupied companion, but stopped short when he caught sight of the tall brunette's activity.
The notepad revealed a stunning sketch of his hibernating body; Rukawa had skillfully smeared around the pencil lead to vibrantly bring out the tones and impressions of the redhead's features. "I tried my very best, Hana...but no artist in the whole world can ever capture even a tenth of that beauty. It'll have to do, keeping me company when you're elsewhere, however rough of a drawing it is." Positioned like that, he's the most beautiful sight I could ever think of sketching...a powerful, golden body softened by that boyishly innocent face. I was afraid of admitting how gorgeous you were, Hana, even to myself...until you revealed mutual feelings, too.
However, to the raven head's dismay, Sakuragi only yelled, "What...are you mocking me, Kaede?! I'm not wearing any goddamn clothes here, for heavens sake! So this is a stupid joke after all, just to embarrass me!"
Hurt and upset, "Don't freaking tell me you've never heard of nude art, you do'aho! Anyone who has an attractive figure is highly prized to be in a drawing, or even a painting...it has nothing to do with being a guy or girl, so stop your narrow mindedness!" the pale boy chided intensely. Then, "...out of all the guys I've seen, you have the best masculine body."
Oh right...I remember Haruko chan telling me that when we went to the art museum for our class assignment. "Okay, okay...I take that back, Kaede." Abashed that he unwittingly insulted his companion's effort, Sakuragi quickly tried to change the subject. "But you never told me you can draw, Kaede." The redhead's gaze at the picture turned into an admiring one. "As a tensai, I judge that you did a beautiful job."
"Drawing was a favorite past time for me, until I was ten." Then my classmate introduced me into the basketball court, where I found I could preoccupy myself from trouble even more affectively. "And it turned out nicely only cause I was sketching a beautiful object, Hana." It'll come out as the most gorgeous thing to me, no matter who does the job. Sakuragi's face looked as if it was set on fire.
"...Oh, uh...I thought you felt the same as that wild monkey Kiyota...that I looked like red-haired ape."
"You do, do'aho, but only when you're acting up on court. Otherwise..." The rest of the times, you put in my mind the image of a beautiful stallion with a fiery mane.
Face still red as a tomato, Sakuragi suddenly turned away. "Hey, um Kaede...I you've probably know this to well from a thousand of your lovesick girl fans...but I'm gonna say it anyways. You're really, really beautiful, too, almost perfect." Despite the chiseled features that gave his face a touch of masculine handsomeness, everything else appeared smooth enough to help it elude a rugged look. It complemented his slender yet strong and graceful body perfectly. Only after he rid himself the resentment towards the ivory- pale boy did he realize that Rukawa reminded him so much of those flawlessly carved deity statues displayed at the art museum.
"Hmph." The raven head smirked joyously to himself. "I don't give a crap how I look to other people...but as long as I'm attractive enough to keep your interest, that's all that matters, Hana." He turned when Sakuragi suddenly emitted a giggle. "What now, do'aho?"
"You know what? You're a scheming, manipulative fox...taking advantage of the tensai when he's completely immobile! And it's the first time I really mean it!" Sakuragi cried out laughingly.
Although he knew the redhead meant it as a light-hearted tease, Rukawa still shuddered slightly at the remark. Feeling the urge to take advantage of him...I've always pushed that goddamn issue in the very back of my head. But what if...one day when we DO revive him, will I be able to control my impulses? Can Hana really take my needs without becoming soiled or hurt? His gaze at his hysterically amused companion turned into a sad one. I guess we can live like this forever, Hana, except for one thing...I desire...carnally, while you don't feel a thing but emotional affection. What if...what if one day I cave into my wants for sex with someone else?! You'll never forgive me, will you?! Damn...!! As he was sketching Sakuragi in the nude, a surge of undeniable lust entered his awareness. I wanted to show off to Hana I'm in fact capable of doing stuff other than fighting and basketball...but it was also an excuse for myself to see him naked again.
"You know what, Kaede? I just remembered that we don't have to walk all the way back to Youhei's house. He told me you can transport me there with your necklace thing."
"Huh. Really."
"I'm serious, fox! And...what you showed me today was really impressive, but I still wanna get out of here as soon as possible. It just makes me feel so lonely." Sakuragi's voice started to lose its lively luster.
Well...that actually suites me just right. I didn't want to leave this place yet anyways...have one more thing I needed to do, and no way can I do it in front of Hana. The raven head thought to himself rather grimly. "Fine, then. But make sure you come to me first when I call you tomorrow, or else." He took out the charm to wish Sakuragi to his destination.
"Wait...before you send me off, Kaede, I was wondering if you ever considered going to Kainan instead of Shohoku."
Rukawa paused and stared at the redhead. "What kind of a question is that?"
"Uhm, it's not really anything...I was just curious."
"...no, I never did. Shohoku was my first choice."
"Really? That's great to know." Sakuragi breathed out deeply in relief, baffling the pale brunette. "Well, wish me away, Kaede! I'll see you first thing tomorrow." His companion complied, and sure enough the mist appeared again from nowhere and swept the redhead away.
After he was gone, the raven head gazed blankly at the spot where the redhead had stood. I lied to him about Shohoku being my first choice...but it shouldn't matter, should it? Shohoku, with its failing basketball team and namesake, was actually the last place he and his family wanted to look at. Going to Kainan, or even Shoyo, he'd have a much better chance squeezing himself up to the interhigh championships, and he'd have a valid excuse to live away from his mother and rent an apartment near the prestigious high school. And the only thing that made him change his mind entirely was...a strange voice in his dreams that kept on insisting something important awaited him in Shohoku. For some reason, he strangely believed that the certain something might just be worth sacrificing part of his professional basketball dream...and followed it, against his parents' vehement protests. He would've found all this so ridiculously stupid anyways, so why bother telling him? But it was weird that the redhead would ask in the first place...
A throbbing, needy sensation suddenly turned his attention away from the ponderings. Right. With Hana gone, I have to accomplish my other purpose. Rukawa slowly undid his trousers, then turned around to gaze at the exposed figure of the redhead. Hungry eyes devouring every detail of the body before him, he involuntarily edged closer and closer to the tank, his hand creeping down lower to that certain spot. He started rubbing himself, timidly at first, then his movements increasingly quicker and vicious. Mind thrashing in a pool of ecstatic desire and eyes taking in the tantalizing source of his lust, he vaguely heard his own desperate pants, felt a painful tensing of his whole body. After what seemed like an eternity, he climaxed with a straining grunt.
"Hanamichi...ahhh...Hana...!!" An orgasmic cry followed, and Rukawa found himself driven away by a massive physical release. Feeling exhausted to the bone, yet pleasantly relieved, the pale boy slumped to the floor and closed his eyes.
After a while, he finally managed to collect his conscious mind together, and opened his eyes. Shit. I have to clean up this damn mess. Rukawa impatiently picked himself up, and was frozen in place when he found himself face-to-face with the young man imprisoned inside the tank.
Without thinking, his fingers crept forward to press itself on the glass. "...Hana. You aren't disgusted by me, are you? Because...if you are, I just don't know how I'll live with myself." The hibernating redhead only replied with his peaceful expression, as if assuring that everything was all right. In pained frustration, Rukawa cautiously rapped his knuckle against the tank, and pressed his forehead against the glass. Then he looked up again, and whispered, "I...never had the damn courage to say this in front of you, Hana...but I love you. More than you can ever imagine." With that, he closed his eyes and tenderly kissed the glass wall that was separating their warm lips. Pathetic. Despite how truly we feel about each other, all I can kiss is air and a freaking glass pane. The raven head thought to himself bitterly. He had to fight the urge to shatter the obstructing glass, and have a feel of that concealed golden flesh.
Kimura had warned him about falling for the redhead, and with the stupidest arrogance, he assumed he'd be able to prevail over his emotions...now was just the question whether their relationship would be worth keeping. Despite all the joy and brightness Sakuragi had poured into his life, conflicts capable of devastating both of them were bound to emerge eventually.
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Back at Youhei's house:
"...I didn't get you in too much trouble with Rukawa, did I, Hana?"
"No...he's a hell of a lot more understanding than we thought...but at the same time, so protective, too." The redhead replied in an almost dreamy voice.
"Really...I'm glad, then." Youhei forced himself to smile. "Well...whatcha wanna do now, o' buddy? Let's take a relaxer before we get back to serious business."
"Right. Hey, isn't it Sunday? War movies are on all day today on channel 8!"
Youhei frowned. "That's the last thing I'd do as a relaxer, Hanamichi."
"Hey...what's with you, Youhei? I once thought you were almost as tough as the tensai!"
"Hmph. Fine. No way I can refuse now!" The shorter brunette grinned at his best friend.
"Heh heh heh..." was all the redhead could chuckle before being forcefully drawn into yet another envisioned world. This time he was...in Rukawa's house. Right beside him, crouched under the first floor staircase, was himself...but this time he noticed that he was several years older, at least 21 or 22. Then he heard a familiar voice muttering.
"...not to lay a hand on Sakuragi Hanamichi, no matter what my mother instructs you. Otherwise, the punishment I myself decide upon you will leave you wishing that you were never freaking born! I promise that to you." The envisioning Sakuragi turned around and saw his pale companion, also looking five or six years older, pacing back and forth, eyes set in the hardest glare he'd ever seen. A line of tough-looking men, save one petite young man with freckles standing in the middle, were dressed in formal suits and ties, and lined up like refined soldiers.
That freckles guy, Suzuki Masato again...the redhead thought to himself. Suddenly the cherubic young man let out a laugh. "Seeing how impossibly persistent Sakuragi san is, I don't believe any of us can keep him away, anyways. Perhaps the only way to persuade him is if Kaede-san does the dirty work himself." He commented in a chillingly thoughtful tone.
Instantly, Rukawa's eyes widened with rage, and he spun around to grab Suzuki's collar in a painfully tight grip. "And just what was that supposed to mean?" He demanded dangerously through gritted teeth.
"C—calm down, Kaede san. I was just joking, that's all." Suzuki hastily tried to assure the enraged raven head.
"You don't make freaking jokes about Hana like that." He pushed away the freckled young man roughly. "That's to teach you all...if I hear anything negative about Sakuragi Hanamichi muttered around me, I swear that you'd feel ten times the discomfort he did!! Dismissed!"
As the fuming raven head and the uneasy bodyguards scattered to their separate ways, Suzuki Masato discreetly made his way to the stairwell where a 21 year old red head was hiding. He stooped down and whispered, "I know you were eavesdropping over there the whole time, Sakuragi san." He leaned forward slightly, his tone changing into a subtly menacing one. "Keeping you from Kaede san used to be my occupational obligation, but now it has become my personal vow...I've fallen for him as well. So be on your toes, Sakuragi Hanamichi, because I'll make him mine, no matter the cost." With that, he disappeared swiftly before the stunned red-haired young man could come out and retort.
"Hana...what's the matter with you now?" Youhei eyed him with concerned.
"Oh, it's nothing. Just another stupid vision."
"Really...what about?"
"Ahhh...some mushy scene between me and Kaede." Sakuragi lied because he didn't want his best friend to fret more than he had to.
"Okay, then...spare me the details."
God please assure me this isn't a prequel to that horrible vision...I don't want to be reminded of it one second! Please tell me there's no way in hell Kaede and I'll become such hateful enemies...but that's downright impossible...right?
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Eleven thirty p.m. in the Shohoku gymnasium:
Huffing and puffing, a tall blue-eyed brunette bent down in exhaustion after making his 100th basket. Not bad at all...a few days of missing practice haven't altered his perfect scoring a bit. He trudged toward his gym bag and fished out a bottle of water to quench his thirst. Hana...I've always thought of him as a self-important do'aho, but he actually perceived my desire to resume practicing. But then again...the passion wears out so fast without him there by my side. Frustrated with the empty loneliness, Rukawa closed his eyes and imagined...Sakuragi Hanamichi, clad in their team attire, leaning on the wall, having watched his play with undivided attention. The red-haired young man clapped his hands and smiled proudly at the tall brunette's last basket. "Even now we're a couple, you never tire in showing off your skills, huh, old fox? Well, you just obliged the tensai to step up again and show that he's just as good as you..." the redhead undid his jacket and made his way casually toward his companion. "...no worse, but no better either, Kaede." The look he shot the pale boy was not of fiery challenge, but a teasingly loving one instead.
Without even aware of it, a small smile tugged at the corner of the daydreaming pale boy. "...you disappoint me, do'aho. Where's that brash confidence to beat me gone to?" He unwittingly murmured the words out loud.
"The tensai requires no brash confidence, especially around one he's known forever." An older male's casual voice snapped the raven head out of his reverie. He spun around and leaning relaxingly against the open gym doors...was a tall man, cap concealing all his hair, and a red bandage bound completely around his face. Only his eyes, hidden behind sunglasses, nose and mouth remained unwrapped. "That would be the sixteen-year old Sakuragi Hanamichi's most likely response, wouldn't it?" He chuckled lightly.
That man is...Aka? What...? In his shock, Rukawa let the basketball slip from his arm.
Leaving the doorway, Aka walked slowly toward the stunned raven head and stopped three or four feet from him. For the first time, Rukawa could see that the man was very tall, probably as tall as he was. "Don't you remember that Kimura woman's warning? I'd find you before you find me, Rukawa Kaede." He said in an amused tone. There was something very familiar about that man's voice...but Rukawa just couldn't put his finger on it.
"What the hell do you want?" The pale boy finally found his voice. "And just who are you."
The man with the bandaged face paused for a minute or two before replying, "I'll make you a deal."
"...what freaking deal?"
"We play a one-on-one. You win, I reveal myself with no further favors. I win, you have to give me what I want."
Surprised, Rukawa suspiciously arched an eyebrow at him. "And what the hell is that?"
"I can't tell you just yet. But if you don't accept my proposal, I'd be on my way." As Aka turned to go, the raven head stopped him.
"All right, you can have your freaking way. Let's get this damn match over with." I have to know his identity and his connection with Hana's accident, no matter the risk!
Aka smirked at him with satisfaction underneath his bandages. "Great." He took off his coat to reveal a wide frame and very beautifully athletic body, clad in a short-sleeved white top. He left his cap, bandages, and sunglasses on.
Rukawa gaped at the exposure. That body...for some reason looks so familiar...in a pleasing way. Never mind, I'll win him for sure and find out just who he is!! He promised himself with the utmost determination.
The two played for almost an hour. To the raven head's consternation, Aka was playing with relative casualness, while he himself had to work his head off just to match him. Finally, the two stopped at a deadlock score.
"Good game." Aka reached out his hand, only to have it pushed away by the pale boy.
"It was not a fair game at all you, SOB. You were playing damn easy on me." The panting Rukawa hissed through clenched teeth.
The bandaged man let out a small despising laugh. "You're just that same cold bastard, Rukawa Kaede, no matter how old you are. So...I guess since neither of us won, we'd better fulfill both of our favors."
Shit. The tall brunette cursed to himself. An unknown fear had seized him when the other mentioned that he had to give him what he wanted. But as long as I find out who he is...
Very slowly, Aka took off his sunglasses to reveal a pair of large brown eyes...very lovely yet fearful ones, glinting with some maniacal coldness. Damn. Why am I shuddering? Rukawa wondered. Subsequently, the man slowly unwound the blood crimson bandages, bit by bit, uncovering...
Rukawa's eyes dilated with pure horror at the sight of Aka's face. He shook his head in utter disbelief. No...NO!! It—it CAN'T BE!!!
Reading his thoughts though that appalled expression, the older man smiled rather stonily. "Hmph...this should freaking convince you from denial." He lifted his cap, letting fall beautiful short locks of hair...of the most fiery red color. There stood in front of him was a tall, powerfully-built man with light-golden skin and red hair, in his late twenties...unmistakably, Sakuragi Hanamichi. Every characteristic undeniably belonged to the red- haired young man he'd known so well and fallen for...except those warm, innocent brown eyes, somehow transformed into icily malicious ones.
"Well...now I've given you what you've wanted, it's time for you to fulfill your part." With that, he suddenly pounced on the pale young man and pinned him down forcefully. Shocked and frantic with fright, Rukawa struggled with all his might, but to no avail...that older Sakuragi had become much stronger than him. Tearing the brunette's shirt off, he took a piece of the cloth and gagged the boy. Then down went Rukawa's shorts...
Despite the frenzied fight, the mature redhead's eyes remained maliciously calm throughout. Wild thrashes and grunts were vaguely heard outside the gym. If it weren't for the tight gag, the pale boy's screams would surely have been heard by those around the Shohoku campus.
Sweating slightly, the older redhead jeered at the prostrate, completely naked pale figure, still bound and gagged, breathing heavily. "Huh. Anyone can tell from your face that you enjoyed being taken so violently...now you see for yourself what you are, Rukawa Kaede? A pathetic, lowly worm with the most disgusting appetite, and deserves no one's pity." He brusquely untied the boy's hands and feet, and dumped beside him what remained of his clothes. "As you may've guessed, I'm Sakuragi Hanamichi, eleven years from now, and I've traveled to the past to make some necessary corrections." The man informed him in a nonchalant voice.
As he collected his coat and sunglasses, he heard Rukawa moan weakly, "Why...why...are you doing this...why?"
The mature Sakuragi stopped in his steps for a moment. "Because of you. It's entirely because of you." He grated with a hoarse voice full of venom. "I'm just paying back some of the hateful deeds you've done to me from the future. And FYI, we've learned to hate each other enough to kill." He started leaving again, but not before warning the limp boy harshly, "Make sure no one finds out my identity or this event, Rukawa...I know where my past self's body is hidden, and I can destroy it anytime I need to."
Outside the gym, the older red-haired man started chuckling to himself as he put his cap and sunglasses back on. "Finally...there's no freaking way they'd get together now...you'll really regret not making sure I was dead after shooting me, Rukawa Kaede...!" Suddenly, the mature Sakuragi's eyes widened in pain, and he clutched his head as if suffering from an excruciating headache. With a loud snarl, he banged his head viciously against the stone wall. "Shut the hell up! I don't care how badly I just freaking hurt him! That bastard took myself away from me once...I have to prevent him from doing it this time by breaking him first!!" He screamed at the top of his lungs. Panting heavily, he became quickly aware of the lights being flicked on in the surrounding houses...seemed like he yelled a little too loud. "Shit!" The older Sakuragi broke into a swift run, quickly disappearing out of sight before anyone could catch a glimpse of him. As he was sprinting away, he kept on chanting to himself. "No one's innocent. No one can stop me, not even myself. No one's innocent..."
Thirty minutes later, a tall pale boy, clad in a torn shirt and shorts, dragged himself limply in the direction of his house...his gym bag and bicycle were left behind. Dull, empty eyes staring straight ahead of him, Rukawa's steps were mechanical and lifeless, just like a robot. The only thing he was capable of thinking was: Why, Hana...what has happened to us...WHY?? Suddenly, an overwhelming wave of nausea hit the young man, and he bent down to vomit in the gutter; confused fear and self-disgust flooded his senses. After the blue-eyed brunette finally ceased vomiting, he realized that for the first time in almost ten years, he was sobbing so uncontrollably hard that his jaw started to ache...almost as hard as that bruised and naked eight year old boy being atrociously abused by his teen cousin.
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Slumping herself on the living room couch, Kimura took a long drink from her coffee, and sighed. "You've finally gone that far, haven't you, Sakuragi Hanamichi from the future. Should I have told you the truth from the start? That interfering with past events will only create alternate realities, and change nothing for you, nor the future you reside in? But...I unintentionally lead you on with the false hopes, since your wretched desperation was so unbearable." She murmured silently to herself. "You wanted to prove that even your innocent past self would allow Rukawa Kaede's death...thus, you sent me to warn him ahead of time. It was all about easing your own guilt of killing your once inseparable lover was it not? Unlucky for you, the outcome turned out entirely different." The young fortune teller closed her eyes in resignation. "...just who'd ever thought it would turn out to be such an irrevocable mess?"
TBC